Bioactive Phytochemicals in Plant Extracts: A Comprehensive Analysis of Their Diverse Chemical Structures and Therapeutic and Functional Effects

Dear Colleagues,

Plant-derived bioactive compounds—including polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, carotenoids, and vitamins—possess beneficial health properties and can be used in functional foods and therapeutic applications. These compounds, extracted from fruits, vegetables, grains, and medicinal plants, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunomodulatory effects, contributing to the prevention and treatment of various diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.

The scope for this Special Issue, titled ‘Bioactive Phytochemicals in Plant Extracts: A Comprehensive Analysis of Their Diverse Chemical Structures and Therapeutic and Functional Effects’, encompasses the identification, isolation, and characterization of bioactive compounds from various plant sources and the analysis of their multifaceted biological activities. This includes their potential use in treating diseases, promoting health, and preventing conditions through various mechanisms, spanning from antimicrobial and antioxidant effects to therapeutic applications in areas like cancer, metabolic syndrome, and skin health. Research on the extraction methods, quality control, safety, efficacy, and synergistic effects of these extracts is highly relevant, as are studies that integrate plant biology, chemistry, and pharmaceutical science to explore their functional properties and practical applications in diverse industries. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The identification and/or extraction of bioactive compounds from various plant sources;
• The mechanisms of action by which these compounds exert effects such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, or anti-cancer properties;
• The health benefits and therapeutic applications
• The factors influencing the composition and stability of plant extracts, such as extraction methods and environmental conditions.

Dr. Truc Cong Ho
Guest Editor

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